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Bad News For Afghanistan! Ireland Cancel Hosting Multi-Format Series In 2025

Soumyajit Dutta

Rashid Khan [Source: @actsPrateek/X.com]Rashid Khan [Source: @actsPrateek/X.com]

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Afghanistan's troubles regarding global relations and cricket seem like a never-ending affair as in a recent development, Cricket Ireland has postponed plans to host Afghanistan in a multi-format series this year, citing budgetary pressures.

As known, the board is balancing a historic summer featuring England Men’s first T20I tour and Zimbabwe Women’s maiden visit. The announcement came alongside the release of Ireland’s 2025 international fixtures, which prioritize World Cup qualifiers, marquee bilateral contests, and infrastructure development.

Ireland's Move, Financial Or Political?

Despite obligations under the Men’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) to play Afghanistan in a Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is, Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom confirmed the series was shelved for economic reasons rather than political ones. 

This follows Australia and England’s refusal to engage in bilateral cricket with Afghanistan due to the Taliban’s human rights abuses, though Deutrom emphasized Ireland’s decision was strictly fiscal.

“One planned series that won't go ahead for financial reasons is against Afghanistan. This decision is part of our management of short-term budgetary constraints, as well as our requirement to comply with the Board's mandate to deliver balanced investment across the organisation's strategic objectives," Deutrom was quoted as per ESPNcricinfo.

Test Cricket Drought And Infrastructure Challenges

Since gaining Full Member status in 2017, Ireland has played just two of its 10 Tests at home, with their maiden Test win coming against Afghanistan in the UAE in 2024. 

Deutrom highlighted infrastructure limitations as a recurring hurdle, noting past “home” series in Abu Dhabi to circumvent costs. 

“Off the field, recent Programme for Government announcements will enable us to continue our planning for the new Dublin stadium and for the 2030 T20 World Cup,” Deutrom said, referencing Ireland’s role as co-host with England and Scotland.

With Ireland withdrawing, Afghanistan is left with no international fixtures as of now. Notably, the team had a sorrowful exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 despite fighting hard in the group stage, their dream for a maiden ICC title remains to be fulfilled.